The Vacant Home Checklist
That extended trip you’ve been planning—a month-long cruise, a sabbatical abroad, or a lengthy stay at your second home—is finally here. You’ve packed your bags, set your out-of-office, and locked the door.
But before you click "publish" on that dreamy vacation post, have you checked the fine print on your home insurance policy?
Most standard home insurance policies contain an Unoccupancy Clause. This clause typically limits the time your home can be left vacant—often to 30 or 60 consecutive days. If a claim (like a burst pipe or a break-in) occurs after this limit, and you haven't followed the insurer's rules, your claim could be denied.
Here is your essential, 7-point checklist to secure your home and keep your coverage valid while you're away.
The 7-Step Insurance Validity Checklist
1. Notify Your Insurer (The Golden Rule)
This is the single most important step. Don't assume your policy will automatically cover a long absence.
Action: Contact your home insurance provider (for both buildings and contents) and inform them of your exact travel dates.
Outcome: The insurer will either confirm that your existing policy remains valid (rare for absences over 30 days) or require a temporary endorsement, an extension, or specialized Unoccupied Property Insurance. Get this confirmation in writing!
2. Appoint a Documented Property Checker
Insurers require proof that the home is being actively monitored to mitigate risks like undetected leaks.
Action: Designate a trusted friend, relative, or property manager to physically enter and inspect the interior of your home on a regular basis. Check your policy's frequency requirement; it is often every 7 or 14 days.
Outcome: The designated checker should keep a dated log (signed and time-stamped) of their visits, confirming that all is secure, and that all conditions (like the heating) are met.
3. Manage the Water Supply (Mitigate Major Risk)
Water damage from burst pipes or leaks is the leading cause of large insurance claims in vacant properties.
Action: If traveling for more than a week, turn the main water supply off at the stopcock and drain the system (by opening taps). The only exception is if your fire suppression system requires the water to remain on.
Outcome: This virtually eliminates the risk of an "escape of water" claim, which is frequently excluded or limited under unoccupancy clauses.
4. Maintain Minimal Heating (Winter Travel Only)
During cold months, pipes can freeze and burst, causing devastating damage upon thawing.
Action: If you cannot turn the water off (or if the home must remain heated for maintenance), set your thermostat to a minimum background temperature—usually $13^\circ\text{C}$ to $15^\circ\text{C}$—to prevent freezing.
Outcome: Your insurer will look for evidence that you took reasonable steps to prevent cold-related damage.
5. Secure and Conceal Valuables
An empty house is an attractive target. You must ensure you are not inviting theft.
Action: Remove high-value, small, and easily portable items (like jewellery, high-end electronics, and artwork) and store them in a secure bank vault, or take them with you. Do not leave valuables visible through windows.
Outcome: You comply with the security conditions of your policy, which often require reasonable care to prevent loss.
6. Remove Signs of Absence
A property that looks visibly empty is a target for vandalism and theft.
Action: Arrange to have mail redirected via a service, or ask your property checker to remove post and flyers from the letterbox area. Stop newspaper or milk deliveries. Maintain the exterior by hiring a gardener to mow the lawn or clear snow.
Outcome: The home maintains a "lived-in" appearance, discouraging unwanted attention. Consider using smart plugs or timers on interior lights to mimic normal evening activity.
7. Unplug Non-Essential Appliances
While not always an insurance condition, it's a smart precaution against electrical fire.
Action: Unplug non-essential appliances like toasters, coffee makers, televisions, and charging stations. Leave only devices required for security (alarms, smart lighting) and the refrigerator running.
Outcome: Reduces the risk of electrical faults causing a fire while the property is unattended.
📝 Pro Tip: Never rely on your neighbour simply "keeping an eye out." Insurance requires formal, internal, and documented inspections. If you have an expensive or large property, hiring a professional property management service is the best way to ensure all insurance conditions are met and logged correctly.
